Every wedding day unfolds in its own rhythm, but when your wedding photography timeline flows smoothly, everything feels effortless. Ashley and Curry’s Huguenot Mill wedding in Greenville, SC was the perfect example of how intentional planning can create a relaxed, joy-filled day where every moment is beautifully documented.

I met these two at their best friends’ wedding (The Garretts!) and knew right away that working with them would be a dream. They’re fun, kind, and truly down-to-earth, and I loved being able to capture their wedding day in South Carolina.

Here’s how their day came together and what you can learn from it when planning your own wedding photography timeline.

Wedding Details & Getting Ready

The Owens’ day began with soft, timeless detail photos. Rings, vow books, invitations, florals, and heirlooms that set the tone for everything that followed. While Ashley and her bridesmaids laughed through hair and makeup, Curry and the groomsmen were getting ready nearby, full of that same pre-ceremony excitement.

All of my wedding packages include a second photographer, because having that extra perspective truly makes a difference throughout the day. It keeps your timeline flowing effortlessly and lets us capture both sides of the wedding (and all those sweet in-between moments) at the same time. From different ceremony angles to cocktail hour candids while we’re off doing portraits, having that second perspective helps tell the full story of your day without rush or overlap.

Creating Space for Meaningful Pre-Ceremony Moments

Ashley shared a heartfelt first look with her dad and a sweet reveal with her bridesmaids before heading to the ceremony. She and Curry chose to share a first touch instead of a first look, a quiet and emotional moment where they prayed together and exchanged words without seeing each other. It was the perfect way to pause, breathe, and feel connected before walking down the aisle.

Before the ceremony, we photographed the bridesmaids and groomsmen separately. It worked perfectly for their vision, keeping the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony while still capturing plenty of beautiful wedding party moments beforehand.

When you’re planning your own wedding photography timeline, these pre-ceremony moments are where your day can take different directions. Some couples choose a first look so they can enjoy a private moment together and capture portraits early, freeing up more time later for cocktail hour and mingling with their guests. Others love saving that first glimpse for the aisle, leaning into the emotion and anticipation of the ceremony. A first touch, like Ashley and Curry’s, offers a beautiful middle ground where you can share a personal connection without giving away the surprise.

There’s truly no right or wrong choice, only what feels most like you. The key is building your timeline with intention. When your photographer and planner help you design it around your priorities, the day flows beautifully and every meaningful moment gets the space it deserves.

The Ceremony at Huguenot Mill

Their ceremony at Huguenot Mill was heartfelt, elegant, and perfectly timed so that we had plenty of soft golden light afterward for portraits. (Check out this blog for a Huguenot Mill venue highlight).

Lighting truly shapes how your photos feel. It changes so much depending on the season and your venue, which is why I always help my couples plan around sunset when we build their wedding photography timeline. That way, every moment (from your walk down the aisle to those golden hour portraits) is captured in the most beautiful, flattering light.

Family & Bridal Party Portraits

After the ceremony, we moved into family photos. The Owens’ organized photo list made this smooth and stress-free, we got every combination quickly, leaving time for the full bridal party portraits afterward. Working from a pre-approved family photo list saves time and keeps the process calm and intentional. (All my couples receive a full planning guide and workbook that makes this step super simple.)

Couple’s Portraits

While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, Ashley and Curry slipped away for their first portraits as husband and wife (always one of my favorite parts of the day). The soft evening light outside Huguenot Mill was perfect for capturing romantic, natural portraits that felt true to them.

Because we’d built in plenty of breathing room, they never felt rushed, just relaxed, happy, and fully present. When planning your own wedding photography timeline, I always recommend setting aside at least 20–30 minutes for couple portraits. It’s a quiet moment to soak everything in together, and those images often end up being some of your most treasured memories.

Reception & Private Last Dance

Their reception was full of energy and joy from start to finish, with heartfelt speeches, so much laughter, and a packed dance floor that never slowed down.

Before their grand exit, Ashley and Curry shared a private last dance, and it was one of the sweetest moments of the entire day. The room was quiet, the lights were soft, and it gave them one final chance to slow down together before their bubble sendoff and classic car exit.

A private last dance is such a beautiful way to close out your wedding day. It’s a calm, intentional, and intimate moment to soak it all in before the night comes to an end.

Planning Your Own Greenville Wedding Photography Timeline

If you’re in the middle of planning your own Greenville wedding, my biggest piece of advice is to build your timeline alongside your photographer and planner. Together, you can balance natural light, flow, and the emotional pacing of your day so it feels effortless from start to finish.

The Owens’ day felt seamless because their timeline was thoughtfully designed with breathing room. From getting ready to portraits, all the way through their private last dance and sendoff, every moment unfolded naturally, so I could capture real, genuine moments.

Whether your day includes multiple locations, a big wedding party like Ashley and Curry, or special moments you want to prioritize, an intentional wedding photography timeline is what turns a beautiful day into memories you’ll treasure forever.

Loved seeing how Ashley and Curry’s timeline came together?

Explore more real Greenville SC weddings and planning tips over on the blog or reach out to start planning your own effortlessly joyful wedding experience with Ely Lynn Photography.

Vendors

Photography: @ElyLynnRandall

Planner & Coordination: @lovethislittlecity

Ceremony Venue: @huguenotmill

Reception Venue: @huguenotmill

Videography: @busbeefilmco

Florals: @innseason

Decor Rentals: @professionalparty

Invitations: @minted

Catering: @table301

Bar & Spirits: @huguenotmill

Cake & Dessert: @publix

DJ/Band: @soundchoicedj

Wedding Gown Designer: @leaannbelterbridal

Bride’s Earings: @oliveandpiper

Wedding Gown Boutique: @elizabethcolebridal

Bride’s Shoes: @etsy

Bride’s Rings: @pacejewelers

Hair & Makeup: @cottonrougeandco

Spray Tan: @browningstudio

Reception Dress & Shoes: @anthropologie

Bridesmaid Dresses: @birdygrey

Matching Outfits: @birdygrey

Groom Attire: @theblacktux

Bowtie/Tie: @thetiebar

Groom’s Shoes: @theblacktux

Groom’s Ring: @pacejewelers

Groomsmen Attire: @theblacktux